Welsh football news - February 2001.

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Wales football news - February 2001.

Sparky's power.

As Wales flew out to La Manga there was excellent news regarding the squad. Only Simon Davies and Matthew Jones failed to make the trip on the day, Davies missing because of illness and Matthew Jones sent home because his passport was in for renewal. Both Ryan Giggs and John Robinson were already out injured.

All other players made the trip because of Mark Hughes persistence on the phone with their club managers. He also received a phone call from Alex Ferguson to compliment the idea of having a training session instead of a friendly international, he also apologised that Ryan Giggs was not in La Manga.

"	We will have five days of decent training in good weather and also be able to study videos of our forthcoming opponents.	"
	Mark Hughes.

Monday, February 26th 2001.
in the sun.

Good news.

Mark Hughes has at last received some good news ahead of the La Manga training trip. Leicester City are allowing both Robbie Savage and Matthew Jones to make the trip. Hughes has still yet to be told by Coventry City that both John Hartson and Craig Bellamy can travel. Hughes has also confirmed that Simon Davies has been called up.

Friday, February 23rd 2001.
in the sun.

Giggs injury blow.

Ryan Giggs misses the La Manga training camp with a recurrence of his hamstring injury. This has cast a major doubt on whether he will be fit for the World Cup qualifier at the end of March.

"	It's important that Ryan is there for us against Armenia to give us the best possible chance we can have. Hopefully his injury won't be that serious.	"
	Mark Hughes.

Thursday, February 22nd 2001.
in the sun.

Training camp withdrawals.

Next week's training camp in Spain looks like being hampered by squad withdrawals. The squad is due to depart on Sunday and will be without the injured Chris Coleman, Dean Saunders, Darren Barnard and Nathan Blake, all of whom were chosen in the original 22-man squad. Ryan Giggs also looks doubtful after picking up a hamstring injury.

Wednesday, February 21st 2001.
in the sun.

Squad announced.

The full Welsh squad for the La Manga training camp has been named. Defender Christian Edwards is the only surprise in the 22-man squad. Chris Coleman is also included in the squad. There are 13 Premiership based players in the squad.

click here for full squad.

Monday, February 12th 2001.
in the sun.

La Manga trip.

The full Welsh squad for the La Manga training camp is named tomorrow. Manager Mark Hughes will announce a 26-man squad for the trip.

Sunday, February 11th 2001.
in the sun.

Hartson move completed.

John Hartson has finally completed his move to Coventry City. A week ago the deal looked to have fallen through for the final time, but Coventry have finally got there man nearly a month after they had first shown an interest in signing the striker. He signs a three-and-a-half year contract and will also join up with fellow international striker Craig Bellamy.

"	I'm delighted. It's been a long time in coming.	"
	John Hartson.

Thursday, February 8th 2001.
in the sun.

It's going to be tough.

Robbie Savage believes that Wales have a fighting chance of qualification for the 2002 World Cup. With less than two months before the next double header in Armenia and at home to the Ukraine, Savage has said that it's all to play for in Group 5.

"	I think it is a hard group. We have quality players and we have drawn two games recently against difficult opposition, Norway and Poland, so all is to play for.	"
	Robbie Savage.

Friday, February 2nd 2001.
in the sun.